Dental health and CKD

Thank you for sharing that article. It was very interesting. It reminds me of a saying I heard often during graduate school. While taking an advanced statistics class, the professor (head of the department) used to yell at us students “correlation does NOT equal causation”!

Very important info—many people unaware of their own gum problems, or not getting treatment—-and most unaware of how gum inflammation affects the heart and kidneys. Thank you !!

I read this article with great interest! I have had CKD for over 30 years (my nephrologist is amazed that I am not yet on dialysis). Meanwhile, I have also been battling severe gum disease. I see my dentist every 3 or 4 months for thorough cleanings, and I spend a lot of time at home on oral health. Even with these precautions, I had to have gum surgery two years ago. This led to multiple sinus infections and subsequent sinus surgery. Tomorrow I have an appointment with a periodontal surgeon because my dentist feels they (and myself) have done all they can - while my gum condition is deteriorating (rapidly since my last dental visit). I am absolutely dreading the possibility of another gum surgery. After reading this article, I can't help but wonder if my CKD and gum disease are related. Since I am doing everything I can for both issues, it is a big concern. Thanks for sharing this.

@bettycll I was told I had to have gum surgery awhile back, but colon cancer made that unworkable…I ended up going to a holistic gum specialist, highly regarded-and 1 1/2 year later have not needed surgery…she is a hygienist with a lot of extra training, see her every 3 months…one does need to spend extra time on dental care.

@nycmusic
Thank you for your comments. I totally agree that one does need to spend extra time on dental care. I see my dentist/hygienist every 3 to 4 months, and they are referring me. I will look for a holistic gum specialist in my area and look into that.

I have stage 3 CKD not on dialysis. I have just received a full lower denture (not happy) and working to save what's left of my upper teeth by getting 4 crowns and a bridge. I do believe my CĶD is connected to my teeth loss. They are falling apart fast. 😢

@bettycll they are hard to find…most docs are into surgery. Hope you find the help you want.